There’s no overlooking the fact that full-sized pickup trucks currently dominate the American car market. Whether you need to pull a boat to the lake or haul a load of building supplies, these powerful driving machines are built to get the job done.
With the arrival of luxurious features such as heated and ventilated seats, today’s newest models now offer more comfort than ever before. While the Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in its segment, the Ram 1500 is equally as impressive.
Let’s see how these two full-size pickups stack up against each other.
2018 Ford F-150
Several key updates have been made to the 2018 Ford F-150. Not only does the new F-150 boast a stronger base engine, but it also benefits from a few styling tweaks. Meanwhile, standard auto start-stop technology helps boost fuel efficiency throughout the lineup. You now have six trims to choose from: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited.
The F-150’s new base V6 engine develops a healthy 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. You can also take advantage of Ford’s optional engines, which are now paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the 2.7L EcoBoost engine develops 375 horsepower, the popular V8 engine churns out 395 horsepower. Developing a total of 375 horsepower and a crushing 470 pound-feet of torque, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine sits at the top of the lineup. The extra torque enables the F-150 to rocket to 60 mph in a blistering 5.6 seconds. A 13,200-pound maximum towing capacity also makes the new F-150 the strongest truck in segment.
Fuel efficiency remains a strong point for the new F-150. With an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, the 2.7L EcoBoost engine delivers the best fuel economy in the lineup. However, even the mighty 3.5L EcoBoost engine can return up to 25 mpg on the open road.
You are bound to be impressed with the F-150’s extensive list of available creature comforts. While the base XL model is lightly equipped, an optional 101A package rewards you with popular features such as Bluetooth technology and smartphone app integration. A number of other niceties are found on the higher trims levels. Ford’s updated Sync 3 infotainment system is ranked among the best interfaces on the market. Users rave about the system’s high-resolution graphics and quick response time. A high-powered Bang & Olufsen audio system and heated rear seats are available as well.
There are a plethora of advanced safety innovations available for the 2018 Ford F-150. Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist system has won over a lot of drivers. It truly takes the stress out of maneuvering in tight spots. For the first time, the F-150 will offer automatic emergency braking. This world-class safety feature helps make the F-150 one of the most secure trucks that money can buy. Some of the other advanced driving aids include a surround-view camera, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring.
The F-150: The Truck For Drivers in Search of Safety and Efficiency
The 2018 Ford F-150 gives you several reasons to choose it. Not only does the F-150 offer better performance than before, but it also provides improved fuel economy. Class-leading handling gives drivers yet another reason to love the new F-150. Furthermore, no other full-size truck offers as many safety innovations to keep drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians protected on the road.
The F-150’s only major drawback seems to be its aluminum body. If you happen to get into a fender bender, the aluminum panels will be far more difficult and expensive to repair than steel.
2018 Ram 1500
For 2018, one big improvement in technology and safety finally arrived on the Ram 1500: all models now come standard with a backup camera. This change helps make the Ram 1500 a more impressive bargain. Although the Ram 1500’s exterior styling hasn’t changed much over the past decade, it has aged very well. Flaunting a set of 20-inch black wheels, the Night edition will certainly garner a lot of attention on the road. An ultra-smooth ride and a comfortable cabin make the Ram 1500 an especially great truck for traveling.
The Ram 1500 continues to offer the same engine lineup of years past. With a total production of 305 horsepower, the base V6 engine is a great choice for everyday commuting. Fuel economy tops out at a rewarding 25 mpg on the highway. Ram also offers a fuel-sipping EcoDiesel engine, which is rated to return 20 mpg in town and up to 27 mpg on the highway. Aside from its strong fuel efficiency, the EcoDiesel engine also has the ability to tow a splendid 9,200 pounds. To experience the utmost performance, step up to the Hemi V8 engine. It pushes out a brawny 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with the V8 engine, the Ram 1500’s maximum towing capacity increases to 10,700 pounds. The V8-powered models also offer especially brisk acceleration.
A lot of attractive features are available for the new Ram 1500. While the base Tradesman model is essentially designed to be a work truck, keeping frills to a minimum, the higher trim levels pack substantially more high-tech goodies. Featuring an 8.4-inch display screen, Ram’s Uconnect infotainment system processes information quickly and is incredibly easy to use. Meanwhile, the 10-speaker sound system will treat music fans to exceptional sound quality on every ride. The navigation system is also a worthy upgrade for the drivers who plan to travel out of town on a regular basis.
The Ram 1500: The Truck For Comfort and Easy Driving
There are a lot of positive qualities about the 2018 Ram 1500. According to many test drivers, it offers the smoothest ride in its class. This is especially true for the Limited model, which benefits from a self-leveling air suspension. Seat comfort is also top-notch inside the new Ram 1500. Every driver will grow to appreciate the truck’s user-friendly interior controls.
Unfortunately, there are a few potentially decision-changing downsides to the new Ram 1500. When crash tested by the federal government, the Ram 1500 was only able to earn a four-star safety rating. Furthermore, this pickup fails to offer advanced driving aids like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, so driver beware of obstacles that may not be obvious.
Which Truck Should You Buy?
For good reason, a lot of people will have a hard time choosing between the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2018 Ram 1500. Both trucks excel in several important categories.
If you are seeking the ultimate towing abilities, the F-150 is easily the best choice. It can tow more weight than any other pickup in its segment. It also offers a greater number of towing technologies than the Ram 1500. Ram 1500 buyers won’t have access to a surround-view camera or Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology.
While the F-150 is a world-class towing machine, the Ram 1500’s superb ride quality will ultimately win over some truck shoppers. Those who spend a lot of time on the road will prefer to ride in comfort, enjoying the infotainment system and interior design of the Ram 1500 over the F-150.
Take a test drive in these popular pickup trucks, and see for yourself the significant upgrades and updates that make the 2018 models standout choices. With many different package options, trim levels, and additional features, both the Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram 1500 are sure to capture the attention of truck fans everywhere.
